Small, easy steps pay huge dividends in energy awareness Published Oct. 13, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A decreasing Department of Defense budget, being polite guests here in England, lowering dependency on foreign oil, saving the planet ... these are some reasons Team Mildenhall members may wish to save energy. Regardless of an individual's rationale, saving energy is the right thing to do. October is Energy Awareness Month and the Air Force remains committed to promoting awareness through education and action. In fiscal-year 2010, RAF Mildenhall spent $5.2 million on electricity, $3.5 million on oil, $100,000 on petroleum and $200,000 on water, said Steve Perry, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager. RAF Mildenhall has taken an active approach to energy reduction and conserve host-nation resources. "Processes are in place to find ways to reduce both energy and water consumption through policies, projects, and energy and water use awareness programs," said Perry. "As 40 percent of our expenditure for utility cost is spent on oil, we're looking at natural gas and bio gas alternatives." In an Oct. 3 message to Airmen and their families, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz stated the following: "Improving our energy posture requires us to be smart about how we consume energy in the air and on the ground," according to the message. "Our theme for Energy Awareness Month this year is 'Power the Force - Fuel the Fight.' This theme seeks to highlight energy as a critical resource to our capabilities and reminds us to focus on the impact our day-to-day energy decisions have on the mission. "Energy awareness strengthens our capabilities and reinforces the pillars of the Air Force Energy Strategy: Reduce Demand, Increase Supply, and Change." The 100th CES Energy Management office offers easy energy saving tips that anyone can apply to their work center, home or dormitory room: Lighting: · Use fluorescent light bulbs · Turn off the lights when daylight is available or when leaving the room Heating: · Don't cover or block radiators · Close blinds for better insulation · Dress according to the weather rather than excessively using heaters or air conditioners · Keep doors and windows shut in the winter · Notify the 100th CES if business hours of operations change so they can adjust centrally controlled facility heating units Water: · Use lower temperatures for dishwashers and washing machines · Use energy saving modes and skip pre-wash cycles · Always wash full loads of dishes or laundry · Turn off sink water while soaping hands or brushing teeth · Use half-flush options, if available, when flushing the toilet · Report leaking faucets to the facility manager, housing office or dormitory manager Electricity: · Switch TVs, monitors and home computers off completely as standby modes still draw power · Disconnect unused chargers · Let hot food cool before putting it in the refrigerator For more information, visit the RAF Mildenhall energy management webpage at http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/library/energymanagement.asp